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3/11/10
Toyota Responds to Inaccurate Reports of Future Prius Recall for Floormat Entrapment
Media reports, citing a Wall Street Journal article, have incorrectly reported that Toyota plans to announce a new recall for the 2004-2009 Prius to address the potential risk for floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals.
There is no new recall being planned for the Prius to address this issue. To be clear, the 2004-2009 Prius was part of Toyota’s November 2, 2009 announcement of a voluntary safety recall campaign to address floor mat entrapment in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles. This announcement can be found at our press room at: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/lexus/toyota-begins-interim-notification-112086.aspx.
Other models involved in this previously-announced recall include 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2007-2010 ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 250, and 2006-2010 IS 350. On January 27, 2010, Toyota expanded the campaign to include the 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe.
The remedy process for these vehicles began at the end of 2009 and is occurring on a rolling schedule during 2010. Owners of the involved vehicles that have not yet been remedied are asked to take out any removable driver’s side floor mat and not replace it with any other floor mat.
Owners who have further questions are asked to visit www.toyota.com or www.lexus.com or contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus Customer Assistance at 1-800-255-3987.
2/24/10
Listen to and/or read the transcript of Toyota's Webinar: 2010 Toyota Electronic Throttle Control Webinar
2/23/10
TORRANCE, Calif., February 22, 2010 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will install a brake override feature on an expanded range of customers' vehicles to provide an additional measure of confidence.
This braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions.
The following year models have been added to the list of vehicles which will receive brake override upgrade: 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2009-2010 Venza and 2008-2010 Sequoia. Toyota previously announced that the system would be installed onto the 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, and the 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 350 and 2006-2010 IS 250 models.
The brake override feature is not an integral part of the recall remedy, but is instead being added as an extra measure of confidence for Toyota owners. It will be installed on Tacoma and Venza at the same time as the recall modifications are performed.
Notification to customers regarding brake override installation for Sequoia will be sent separately from the current recall campaign for sticking accelerator pedals.
In addition to upgrades on existing vehicles, this feature is scheduled to be incorporated into future new production of most models sold in the United States by the end of 2010.
"Expansion of this brake override feature underscores Toyota's commitment to building the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road, as we have for 50 years, and to ensuring that our customers have complete confidence in the vehicles they drive." said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer of TMS.
Detailed information and answers to questions are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331
Toyota's Statement in Regard to ABC News Story
Toyota spoke with Mr. Gilbert on February 16 in an effort to understand his concerns. During this discussion, Mr. Gilbert explained that he had connected a resistor between the output wires of the two accelerator pedal sensors on a Toyota Tundra. In other words, he had artificially introduced an abnormal connection between two otherwise independent signals coming from the accelerator pedal sensors. Mr. Gilbert advised Toyota that he believed that his intentional misdirection of these signals could cause the vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly.
In response to Mr. Gilbert's claim as communicated to Toyota, Toyota confirmed that what Mr. Gilbert described would not cause unintended acceleration to occur. In fact, under the abnormal condition described last week by Mr. Gilbert, if there is a short with low resistance between the two signals, the electronic throttle control system illuminates the "check engine" light and the vehicle enters into a fail-safe mode of engine idle operation. If there is a short with high resistance, outside the range of "check engine" light illumination, the accelerator pedal continues to be responsive to driver input and the vehicle will return to the idle condition when the foot is taken off of the accelerator pedal. Unintended acceleration would not occur.
After watching the story today on ABC News featuring Mr. Gilbert, Toyota was surprised to learn that Mr. Gilbert appears now to be making a different claim regarding the electronic throttle control system and in a vehicle other than as described to Toyota last week. Although it is difficult to tell from the footage used in the story, Mr. Gilbert appears to be introducing a different external and artificial method to manipulate the throttle. In order to set the record straight, Toyota welcomes the opportunity to evaluate the Toyota Avalon shown in today's story and the method by which Mr. Gilbert allegedly caused the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally. We welcome the attendance of ABC News at any such evaluation of this vehicle and Mr. Gilbert's testing.
2/16/10
Toyota Intends to Comply with NHTSA Request News reports: Federal regulators have opened an investigation into whether Toyota Motor Corp. conducted all three of its recent recalls for unintended acceleration in a timely fashion, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today.
Toyota Response: Toyota takes its responsibility to advance vehicle safety seriously and to alert government officials of any safety issue in a timely manner. We are reviewing NHTSA's request and will cooperate to provide all the information they have requested.
From Toyota: Toyota Intends to Comply with NHTSA Request
2/9/10
Donlen had a conference call this afternoon with Toyota. Below is a brief summary of the information, sorted by recall issue. As always, please contact your Donlen Account Manager if you have further questions about your specific fleet.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): 2010 Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h
Effective today, anyone driving a 2010 Toyota Prius that was delivered before January 10, 2010, can make an appointment with their local dealer for a software upgrade to fix the potential ABS problem. The upgrade should take no longer than 30 minutes, depending on technician workflow. This recall also affects the Lexus HS 250h, which shares a similar component design. The fix for the Lexus HS 250h will be announced soon.
From Toyota: FAQs About the 2010 Prius/2010 Lexus HS 250h/Camry Voluntary Recalls
Sticking Accelerator Pedals:
Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
Certain 2007-2010 Camry
Certain 2010 Highlander
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia
If you have been notified that your vehicles are on the VIN list supplied by Toyota to Donlen, you can begin scheduling vehicles for repair now. Parts to reinforce accelerator pedals have been delivered to all U.S. Toyota dealerships. In most cases, dealerships have extended service hours, and in some cases are remaining open 24 hours to accommodate repairs.
From Toyota: Customer FAQs Regarding the Sticking Accelerator Pedal and Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment Recalls
Floor Mat Entrapment:
Toyota
2007 - 2010 Camry
2005 - 2010 Avalon
2004 - 2009 Prius
2005 - 2010 Tacoma
2007 - 2010 Tundra
2008 - 2010 Highlander
2009 - 2010 Corolla
2009 - 2010 Venza
2009 - 2010 Matrix
Lexus
2006 - 2010 IS 250
2006 - 2010 IS 350
2007 - 2010 ES 350
If you have not already done so, it is strongly recommended that you remove your driver’s side floor mat. The list that was previously sent to you did not include vehicles with the floor mat entrapment unless the vehicles had been identified as also having the sticking accelerator pedal issue. Camrys can go to a dealer at any time to have the floor mats corrected. We are awaiting further information on the other vehicles listed.
From Toyota: Customer FAQs Regarding the Sticking Accelerator Pedal and Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment Recalls
Potential Brake Issue: 2010 Camry
On certain early production 2010 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4-cylinder engine, a power steering pressure hose in the engine compartment may be the incorrect length. If this condition exists, a crimp on the power steering pressure hose may come in contact with the No. 7 front brake tube. Should this condition continue, a hole may wear in the brake tube and deplete the brake fluid in the vehicle. As a result, the brake pedal stroke will increase and lead to greater vehicle stopping distance. Vehicles can be taken to a dealer where they will inspect and correct the issue if found.
From Toyota: FAQs About the 2010 Prius/2010 Lexus HS 250h/Camry Voluntary Recalls
2/6/10
Donlen's action plan: Donlen has confirmed with GM all 2009 & 2010MY Vibes are being recalled for the pedal accelerator and has received the VIN numbers of affected vehicles. Customers who are directly impacted have been notified by their Account Manager.
2/5/10
Donlen's action plan: Donlen has received the VIN number list from Toyota of vehicles affected by the pedal acceleration recall. Customers who are directly impacted have been notified by their Account Manager.
From Toyota: Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda Announces Global Quality Task Force
Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda spoke at a press conference today in Nagoya. Mr. Toyoda expressed his deep regret for the inconvenience and concern caused to our customers. He also announced that he personally will take the lead toward improving quality around the world by establishing a global quality task force that will conduct quality improvement activities region by region.
The Committee headed by Mr. Toyoda will have a six point action plan:
1) Improve Quality Inspection Process - Toyota will once again inspect every process, while verifying the causes that led to the recalls, including quality in design, production, sales and service.
2) Enhance Customer Research - Toyota will enhance the customer information research offices in each region to collect information faster.
3) Establish an “Automotive Center of Quality Excellence” in key regions to further develop quality management professionals
4) Support from Outside Experts - Toyota will seek confirmation and evaluation from outside experts—in line with the industry's best practices—of its newly improved quality control management, based on the above improvements.
5) Increased Communication - In addition, Toyota will work to increase the frequency of communication with regional authorities.
6) Improve regional autonomy - To provide customers with satisfying products in each and every region, Toyota has long promoted the autonomy of its regional subsidiaries. We intend to further enhance this autonomy, listen carefully to each and every customer and improve quality.
2/4/10
Donlen's action plan: Donlen is in constant communication with our reps from GM and Toyota. We are awaiting confirmed lists by VIN of impacted vehicles and will contact those customers directly who may be impacted. In the interim, please contact your Account Manager with specific questions regarding your fleet.
Customer FAQs Regarding the Sticking Accelerator Pedal and Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment Recalls
(Last updated 2/3/2010 5:20:26 PM)
Click here for sticking accelerator pedal recall
Click here for floormat pedal entrapment recall
Click here for general questions on both recalls
Updated Statement From Toyota Regarding Prius Brake Issue:
“TORRANCE, Calif., February 4, 2010 – Toyota is aware that NHTSA has opened a Preliminary Evaluation centered on owner complaints of a braking issue with the 2010 model year Prius. Toyota will cooperate fully with NHTSA’s investigation.
Some customers have complained of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction. The system, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. A running production change was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage.
This preliminary evaluation addresses owner complaints specific to the 2010 Prius. This condition is not related to either the floor mat entrapment recall or the sticky pedal recall currently in action.
Toyota will continue to evaluate the condition as it relates to owner complaints and will keep NHTSA informed of its progress.”
2/3/10
Donlen's action plan: We are awaiting a confirmed list by VIN of recalled vehicles from Toyota and will contact those customers who may be impacted once we have the most current list.
Latest Toyota recall information
After Secretary Ray LaHood said, “Stop driving it and take it to a Toyota dealer,” at a House Appropriations panel hearing this morning in Washington, he has since revised his statement, saying that his remark was an “obvious misstatement.” Instead he meant to urge owners to have their vehicles inspected and fixed if necessary. Read further here.
Toyota statement on Comments by Transportation Secretary LaHood on February 3, 2010:
“We appreciate Secretary LaHood’s clarification of his remarks today about Toyota’s recall for sticking accelerator pedals. We want to make sure our customers understand that this situation is rare and generally does not occur suddenly. In the rare instances where it does it occur, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.
Our message to Toyota owners is this – if you experience any issues with your accelerator pedal, please contact your dealer without delay. If you are not experiencing any issues with your pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Nothing is more important to Toyota than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive. Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel is working around the clock to fix the accelerator pedals for our customers.”
Toyota Prius
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood also said today that federal regulators would look into complaints regarding faulty brakes from drivers of the Toyota Prius. At this time, the NHTSA has not yet opened a formal investigation. The Prius is not covered by a Toyota recall of 2.3 million vehicles to fix sticking accelerator pedals. Read the story here.
Toyota statement regarding 2010 model year Toyota Prius inconsistent brake feeling:
“In certain 2010 model year Prius vehicles, Toyota has received reports that some customers have experienced inconsistent brake feel when the vehicle is driven over potholes, bumps or slippery road surfaces.
Toyota is currently in the process of confirming these reports and investigating the vehicle driving conditions under which the reported phenomenon occurs. It would be premature to comment until the investigation has been completed.”
General Motors Q&A for Toyota Safety Recalls including 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
Q1. Is it safe to drive the Pontiac Vibe?
A1. Yes, however, consistent with Toyota's Consumer Safety Advisory to address the risk of floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models, customers are urged to take out removable drivers' side floor mats in their vehicles, pending the development of model-specific remedies.
GM has not received any reported incidents of a sticking accelerator pedal on the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe, which was added to the Toyota recall population on Jan. 27. But if a driver experiences an accelerator pedal interference they should:
- If possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle.
- If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
- Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and used the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road, and turn off the engine.
- If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.
As for the Jan. 21 recent accelerator pedal recall, we have not received any reported incidents of a sticking accelerator pedal on the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe. But if that happens:
- The driver can control the vehicle with firm and steady application of the brakes. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly because that may deplete vacuum assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.
- The engine can also be disabled by shifting the transmission to neutral. After shifting to neutral, firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location on the side of the road. Come to a complete stop, shift to Park, and turn the ignition key off.
- Finally, park the vehicle, and have it towed to a GM dealer for inspection and repair.
Q2. Is the accelerator pedal in the Pontiac Vibe the same design as the Toyota Matrix?
A2. Yes. The Vibe and Matrix were designed and engineered by Toyota.
Q3. Will GM be conducting a safety recall for the Pontiac Vibe?
A3. Yes. Toyota has informed GM that the 2009-10 Pontiac Vibe is included in two recalls – one issued Jan. 21 for faulty accelerator pedals and, a second recall issued Jan. 27 expanding a recall from October 2009. GM will issue recall letters to Pontiac customers when we have received the repair procedure from Toyota.
Q4. When will the Vibes be repaired?
A4. Toyota will let GM know when a repair procedure is available. In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Jan. 27, Toyota indicated the repair for the Floor Mat Interference and Accelerator Pedal issue would involve:
- Modifying or replacing the accelerator pedals on the subject vehicles to address the risk of floor mat entrapment, even when an older-design all weather floor mat or other inappropriate mat is improperly attached, or is placed on top of another floor mat.
- Floor surface modifications are also being considered and will be included in the remedy plan for any model for which it is deemed appropriate.
- Initially, dealers will be instructed on how to reshape the accelerator pedal for the repair.
- As replacement parts with the same shape as the modified pedal become available, they will be made available to the dealers for the repair.
- Customers who have had the pedal reshape remedy completed will have the opportunity to receive a new pedal if they desire, after replacement pedals become available.
The field remedy for the accelerator pedal recall announced Jan. 21 is still under development by Toyota.
Q5. Can customers take their Vibe to a General Motors dealer for repair?
A5. Pontiac owners will be directed to a GM dealership for recall repairs to be made.
Q6. Are Pontiac Vibes still being sold?
A6. No. Following Toyota’s lead, GM has placed a stop sale order on all 2009 and 2010 model year Vibes in dealer new or used vehicle inventory in the U.S. and Canada. These vehicles must be held and not delivered to customers, dealer traded or used for demonstration purposes until further instructions are received.
Q7. How many Pontiac Vibe vehicles are affected by these recalls?
A7. A total of 99,293 with 70,799 in the United States and 28,484 in Canada.
2/2/10
Update on General Motors Pontiac Vibe:
In a statement released yesterday, GM states that "tests show Vibe brakes can stop unintended acceleration." Read the entire statement here. Donlen’s action plan: We are communicating directly with all customers who may be affected by this development.
Toyota recall update:
According to a February 1, 2010, statement, "Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week. Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production." Read the full statement here.
1/29/10
Donlen continues to closely monitor the situation involving Toyota’s recall and has communicated directly with customers who may be directly impacted. We are in direct communication with Toyota and will continue to provide updates as they become available to us. Below is a summary of our response to the situation thus far, and the latest information from Toyota on the recall.
Donlen’s action plan: We communicated directly to all customers who may be impacted by the Toyota recall, including a list of their vehicles cataloged as follows:
- Active units currently in service
- Units on order
- On delivering dealer's lots
- In-transit to delivering dealers
- Units not built or shipped yet
- Units removed from service but not yet sold
- The sales of affected used units at auctions has been halted
Specific pedal information and Donlen response
With the exception of select Camrys as defined below, all deliveries of impacted models have been halted by Toyota. Vehicles not yet built or shipped are projected to be delayed a minimum of one week.
Toyota has identified that the pedal manufactured by Denso Corporation is not impacted by this recall. Camry is produced on two different lines and gas pedals for each line are supplied by different manufacturers. Therefore, Toyota has authorized dealers to continue to sell and deliver Camrys equipped with the pedal manufactured by Denso Corporation.
- Donlen response: We recommend that you do not take delivery of any impacted Toyota models other than a Camry that has been confirmed to be equipped with the Denso supplied pedal
Toyota continues to work diligently towards providing a VIN list identifying the Camrys that were built by Denso Corporation
- Donlen response: Upon receipt of the Toyota VIN list we will communicate which units are not impacted by this recall
Latest information provided by Toyota
Toyota has posted a comprehensive list of their actions regarding the sticking accelerator pedal recall, suspension of sales, and floor mat interference. Links to every Toyota communication beginning on September 29, 2009, up through and including January 28, 2010 can be found on their website.
From Toyota: Frequently asked questions for sticking accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales:
Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
- Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
- Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2009-2010 Matrix
- 2005-2010 Avalon
- Certain 2007-2010 Camry
- Certain 2010 Highlander
- 2007-2010 Tundra
- 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale. Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with "J" are not affected by the sticky accelerator pedal recall. Read the full list of Toyota FAQs.
From Toyota: Floor mat recall
On January 28, 2010, Toyota added 1.1M vehicles to a floor mat recall. Affected vehicles include:
- 2008-2010 Highlander
- 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2009-2010 Venza
- 2009-2010 Matrix
- 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe
For more information on this or any Donlen product or service, please contact us.